Episode Details

In this episode of The Daily Derech, Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein explores Parashat Vayakhel, Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, and the deeper lessons of the brit bein habetarim.

From Me’am Loez, he reflects on the word vayakhel and the power of kehilah. After the sin of the Golden Calf and the forgiveness of Yom Kippur, Moshe gathers the people together, teaching that the first step after failure is rebuilding community.

In Hilchot Chametz uMatzah, he explains bitul chametz, the practice of nullifying chametz in one’s heart before Pesach, emphasizing that preparing for the holiday is not only physical but also a shift in values.

From Menorat HaMaor, he continues the teaching on the brit bein habetarim, exploring how the golden calf and later idolatry in the northern kingdom reveal the dangers of impatience, political convenience, and abandoning shared religious centers.

Learn more at exploringjudaism.org/thedailyderech and reach out to Rabbi Rubenstein here.